Comics in the classroom… sounds too easy for students but the potential is there to rope in readers who otherwise would not read. Some educators would disagree that comics have educational potential, but I see no difference in using a comic strip as an academic tool and using a movie as educational. I would make the arguement that at least comics have text and can reach audiences that otherwise would be neglected. But it’s not surprising that comics don’t receive the attention and consideration that they merit. An article from the National Association of Comics Art Educators mentions only a handful of higher learning institutions offer programs in cartooning.
Comics can be an excellent springboard to get students interested in reading. After reading an article by Gene Yang entitled Comics in Education, I have to agree with him about the benefits of comics in education. Students who would normally shun reading material will be more motivated to read a comic strip. Because the text is compact and succint it will seem less daunting to read than a novel. If students find success in reading comics they might be more motivated to try other types of texts. Comic strips are also beneficial in that they address students’ multiple intelligences. For those students who are visual learners, comic strips can teach them what a lecture or typical reading can not.
I think, too, that comics make literature approachable. I like the idea that comics can be “intermediary”; they can be used to scaffold more difficult concepts and elements. For example, Yang mentions using Jay Hosler’s “Sandwalk Adventures” to introduce students to the concept of evolution and biology. It’s less daunting and fearful to look at a simple comic strip than to tackle a textbook trying to explain biology or the concept of evolution.
Students not only will benefit from reading a comic strip but they will also enjoy creating them. I created a comic strip for an alternative book report assigned to me several months ago and my twelve year old daughter loved what I created. She completed several comics for different projects in her school. I had never seen her so enthusiastic about a project or devote so much time and effort.
I came across several web-sites that have lesson plans and would be good for teaching English in the classroom. My favorite is Daryl Calge’s web-site. Each week there are five cartoons to choose from, plus an editorial comment from the cartoonist and suggested discussion questions for students.
